ALL ROUND THE FAIR.
No. III.
In the "Fine Art" Exhibition.
Rustic Art Patrons discovered applying their eyes to peepholes, through which a motley collection of coloured lithographs of the Crimean Campaign, faded stereoscopic-views, Scriptural engravings, and daubed woodcuts from the "Illustrated Police News," is arranged for their inspection.
First Art Patron (waiting for his turn at the first peephole). Look alive theer, Ge-arge, ain't ye done squintin' at 'un yet?
Ge-arge (a local humorist). 'Tis a rare old novelty, Ben, th' latest from London, and naw mistake 'bout it!
Ben (with disappointment, as he succeeds to the peephole). Why, 'tain't on'y Adam an' Eve afoor th' Fall! that ain't so partickler noo, as I can see—Lar dear, they're a settin' nekked on a live lion, and a nursin' o' rabbits! (At the next hole Adam and Eve are represented "After the Fall," overwhelmed with confusion, while the lion is stalking off scandalised, with a fine expression of lofty moral indignation.) 'Ere they are agen! that theer lion thinks he's played sofy to 'en long 'nough, seemin'ly!
Ge-arge (from a further peephole). I say, Ben, 'ere's Mrs. Pearcey a murderin' Mrs. 'Ogg down this 'un—we're a-gittin' along!
Ben (puzzled). They must ha' skipped out a deal. I'm on'y at "Cain killin' Abel!"
Female Patron (to Proprietor). 'Ere, Master, I can't see nothen' down 'ere—'tis all dark like!
Proprietor. Let me 'ave a look! You shud put your 'ands so, each side o' your eyes, and—(He looks.) 'Um, it is rayther—but what else do yer expeck? It's a "View o' Paris by Night," ain't it—that's all right!